Of the four metals, arsenic was found in 73% of baby foods, lead was found in 94%, cadmium was found in 75% and mercury was found in 32%.

Researchers selected 13 different food types under 61 different food brand names, including Gerber, Enfamil and Parent’s Choice. The foods were purchased from grocery stores across the country.

According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a “national, volunteer network of seven other nonprofit organizations,” the four metals can harm a baby’s developing brain and nervous system.

The group also says that one of the key takeaways of the study is that “for 10 of 13 baby food types tested, there is no FDA guidance on safe limits for toxic heavy metals.”

To mitigate the exposure of metals, the group made multiple recommendations for parents to help choose safer foods for their children.

One of the prominent tips was to avoid rice foods for babies, as rice is a leading source of arsenic, which can impact “a baby’s developing brain and nervous system.” The study recommends other grains like wheat, oats and barley.

Another recommendation is to avoid fruit juices, which contain traces of lead and arsenic, and stick with pureed fruits or tap water.

The study acknowledges that while parents can’t shop their way out of exposure, as the metals are naturally occurring in soil and water, safer choices can overall help contribute to a child’s well-being.

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